The SATs are one of the most anticipated milestones of a teenager’s high school experience. After all, it’s an important score that will determine your eligibility for where you go to college. Many hopeful high school students find themselves preparing for the SATs with gritted teeth, and fear of hitting a low score.
Sadly, there are plenty of myths surrounding this important test. So, it helps to separate fact from fiction when preparing yourself. Here are some of the biggest SAT myths that you should know.
The SATs Are Knowledge-Based
The SATs are not knowledge-based, despite what people may think. Its purpose is to assess students’ logic and reasoning, which are important life skills. Think of it less as an episode of Jeopardy, and more like an episode of Survivor. The more you can teach your child to think the way the SATs need them to think, the less pressure they’ll feel to cram useless information into their heads.
Educated Guesses Help Your Score
Even the most prepared SAT test-takers will find themselves with a few questions they don’t know the answer to. Unlike a traditional test, which takes points away in the event of a blank answer, the SATs are not quite the same. Rather than taking a stab at an answer to a question, many believe you’re better off leaving it blank. Move on to the answers you do know so that you can focus your time racking up as many points as possible
Studying Is Pointless
Although it’s true that the SATs are logic-based rather than knowledge-based, that doesn’t mean studying doesn’t help. Signing up for an SAT class, or hiring a tutor specifically for SAT preparation is a very useful way to boost your score. A tutor will be able to help you understand how to navigate the test, and how to get the most out of the experience.
Your SAT Score Will Determine Your Overall Success
Although the SATS are undoubtedly an important part of your future, the SAT is are hardly an indication of your success in life. Employers look for more than just a test score. They also want to know that you’re a creative thinker, quick on your feet, and ultimately good at your job. Statistics show that your SAT score does not reflect your future salary. For example, there are plenty of high-level managers with low test scores making more than a high school math teacher who scored very high. Ultimately your personal success will rely less on your SAT scores and more on your personal motivation and drive.
By knowing some of the most common misconceptions about this infamous test you can prepare as much as possible. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare yourself as much as you can, and understand the ins and outs so you can pass with flying colors.
